Chapter 140: He’s Back, He’s Really Back!

There was no other reason—Gu Jianing’s beauty was simply too striking. Her calm elegance made her shine like a beacon; the moment she appeared, she drew every gaze in the room. People couldn’t help but stare at her.

She accepted the award from the leader and was asked to give an acceptance speech.

Gu Jianing was well prepared, so she spoke with composure and confidence.

As she spoke, her eyes naturally swept across the audience below—a habit of hers, perhaps.

She was just glancing around, planning to look away soon.

But unexpectedly, her eyes suddenly froze when she caught sight of a certain figure.

Near the entrance of the auditorium stood a familiar figure in military uniform, his clothes dusty and gray, as if he had just rushed here after a long journey. In an instant, all of Gu Jianing’s attention was drawn to him.

In that moment, she saw no one else.

Is it him?

Is it really him?

Gu Jianing was afraid it was just a hallucination brought on by her longing.

But then, from afar, she saw the man’s lips move silently, forming words.

Even from a distance, Gu Jianing could easily make out those four words: “I’m back!”

He’s back. He’s really back!

At that moment, Gu Jianing knew it wasn’t a figment of her imagination.

Sheng Zexi was truly back.

He was tanner now, thinner, and his features had become even more defined.

Since they got married, they had never been apart.

Previously, Zhang Shuwan had asked her if she would have trouble adjusting when Sheng Zexi was away on a mission.

At the time, she had answered, “I’ll be fine.”

But when Sheng Zexi actually left, even though it was only for a few days, she found herself struggling to adapt. Later, she missed him so much it hurt.

She missed him and worried about him.

It was then that Gu Jianing realized that, without even knowing when it happened, she had already placed Sheng Zexi firmly in her heart. She would worry about him, care for him deeply.

Now, seeing Sheng Zexi standing at the entrance of the auditorium, the longing she had kept suppressed in her heart spread wildly like vines, almost impossible to contain.

Gu Jianing fought the urge to run off the stage and throw herself into his arms.

She blinked rapidly, holding back tears.

She quickly finished her acceptance speech.

Then, she stepped off the stage, her gaze never leaving Sheng Zexi.

Sheng Zexi also walked toward her, his eyes following his wife on stage the entire time.

It turned out, during his mission, his little wife had been so outstanding—she amazed not only him, but everyone else as well.

“Wife, I’m back,” Sheng Zexi said as he reached Gu Jianing.

Gu Jianing gazed at him, her eyes brimming with tears, lips curling into a gentle smile. “You’re back. That’s all that matters.”

A thousand words seemed to pass between them in that gaze, their feelings entwined.

Perhaps because they were in the crowded auditorium, both of them restrained themselves.

Sheng Zexi took Gu Jianing’s hand and sat down.

Originally, someone else had been sitting next to Gu Jianing, but knowing that Sheng Zexi was her husband and had just returned, the person quietly gave up the seat and found another place.

From a distance, Zhang Shuwan saw Sheng Zexi’s return and breathed a sigh of relief, murmuring, “Captain Sheng is finally back. Otherwise, Jianing would have pined herself sick.”

On stage, the award ceremony continued.

At the end, the host announced, “In the rescue operation during the landslide in Xinghua Village, it wasn’t just the outstanding soldiers, doctors, and nurses who made a difference…”

“Our military dogs also persevered in the pouring rain, searching tirelessly for survivors and making tremendous contributions.”

“They, too, deserve recognition.”

“So, the outstanding military dogs will also receive awards. Let’s present honors to these heroic dogs.”

…

Gu Jianing’s eyes widened slightly. They were really awarding honors to the military dogs?

How wonderful!

Gu Jianing felt truly gratified, especially when she saw Amber among the honored dogs. Her eyes instantly reddened.

Amber, and all these military dogs, truly deserved this honor!

On stage, Amber looked at the medal placed around her neck, then up at Gu Jianing, her eyes glistening with tears.

Amber had never received such an honor before.

Not because she hadn’t performed well, but because no one had ever thought to award military dogs before.

Xiao Duo had told her that the reason the military dogs were being honored this time was because of Gu Jianing.

At that moment, Xiao Duo stood beside Amber, his gaze also drifting to Gu Jianing, his eyes full of complex emotions.

Because Amber was a military dog, and he was her handler.

So he brought Amber on stage.

Normally, when a military dog is recognized, its handler also shares in the honor.

But Xiao Duo knew this honor didn’t belong to him.

His feelings toward Gu Jianing were complicated.

At first, when he learned that military dogs could be honored, Xiao Duo was truly happy for Amber.

But when he found out that it was Gu Jianing who had suggested it, his feelings became mixed.

He realized that, as Amber’s handler and comrade, he had been inadequate.

When Amber and her unborn puppies were in danger, facing death, he had chosen to give up.

Even Gu Jianing had advocated for Amber, fighting for the honor she deserved, but what about him, her so-called handler and comrade?

Over the past few days, he had noticed Amber’s distant behavior.

He knew it, and it hurt.

Xiao Duo thought: Maybe, he wouldn’t be able to keep Amber by his side anymore.

When the ceremony finally ended, Sheng Zexi took Gu Jianing’s hand and headed toward the family quarters.

Though he was anxious, he was mindful of Gu Jianing’s pregnancy, so he walked slowly.

Gu Jianing’s hand was tightly held in his large palm.

His hand was nothing like a woman’s—broad, dry, a bit rough—but in the chilly spring air, it was wonderfully warm.

That warmth washed over Gu Jianing like waves, wrapping around her, making her feel warm inside and out.

On the way, neither of them spoke, as if by mutual understanding.

Not until they entered the courtyard did Sheng Zexi quickly close the door, take Gu Jianing’s hand, and lead her inside.

The next second, before Gu Jianing could react, he turned and pulled her into his arms.

He pressed his face against her hair and cheek, eyes half-closed, savoring the scent and warmth of his little wife.

His low, slightly hoarse voice sounded in her ear, “Ningning, I missed you. I missed you so, so much.”

Sheng Zexi had never missed anyone so intensely before.

He’d been on missions before, but never had he longed to return home like this.

He hadn’t expected this mission to last so long—over a month.

Sheng Zexi realized he was becoming more and more unable to live without Gu Jianing."